Antique Victorian bracelet snake gold turquoise garnets amethyst (7584)

Antique Victorian bracelet bangle. Gold, turquoise, garnets and amethyst. Made in the United Kingdom, circa 1840-1860's.  
 

Measurements:  

Weight 13.1 grams. Length Approximately 7 3/4 inch (17.5cm) long, not including the drop. 

Description :

Snake bracelet. The body tapering towards the tail, each segment articulated and overlapping the next, so that the bracelet is luxuriously flexible. Conveys a realistic scaly appearance. Head with engraved scales and textured detail. Cabochon garnet eyes and 4 cabochon garnets set in the head.  A pyramidal gold drop is inset with turquoise cabochons on each side and an amethyst underneath. Fine engraved additional detail. 
Long tongue-in-groove clasp is easy to insert and secure. 

Marks and Metal:

No marks found. Gold was electronically tested. Head and body are at least 18k. Clasp, which needed to be stronger is 14k. The dangle is too small to read because of the stones. 
     

Condition:

Good with negligible wear commensurate with age.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY:

For thousands of years, snakes have been popular in jewelry, symbolising eternal life amongst many other features. From the earliest part of the Victorian era, snakes were wildly trending, not least because of Victoria's snake engagement ring. This is a fabulously well-made and wearable bracelet, as versatile and lovely today as it was over 150 years ago. Wear it with any outfit, at any age.